SIMCenter History


$5 million Honda gift to support growth of Ohio State’s research into virtual engineering methodologies

Posted: October 17, 2013

A $5 million gift from Honda R&D Americas, Inc. to The Ohio State University has launched a center for virtual simulation and modeling of product performance and manufacturing processes in the College of Engineering.

The Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center, or SIMCenter, will research and apply computer-aided engineering techniques to the design and manufacturing of advanced product and production concepts.

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Since 1988, Ohio State and Honda have continuously partnered on initiatives in education, research, product development and public service.

“An already outstanding relationship with Honda has been enhanced,” said David B. Williams, the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair and dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering. “This newly funded simulation and modeling center will cement Ohio State’s reputation as a world leader in innovating virtual engineering methods for real-world manufacturing.”

While increased innovation of product development and manufacturing processes are the primary aims, the SIMCenter will also integrate Ohio State undergraduate and graduate students, research staff and faculty with industry engineers on simulation technology research projects.

“Research of virtual product development and production methods are key enablers to future technology innovations for our customers,” said Allen Sheldon, Honda R&D America’s program director for the SIMCenter. “By partnering with Ohio State on this endeavor we can more effectively conduct world-class research for the development of virtual engineering methods.”

Located in Smith Laboratory, the SIMCenter will combine expertise from several College of Engineering departments, including mechanical, aerospace, electrical, industrial, materials science, computer science, and Integrated Systems, and partnership with Ohio Supercomputer Center. The SIMCenter initially will focus on Honda’s simulation and modeling needs, but eventually, other public and private enterprises will be invited to collaborate on sustainable mobility and manufacturing research initiatives.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to take this next step with Ohio State and equally excited to advance the development of such world-class engineering techniques right here in Central Ohio,” said Bill Konstantacos, vice president and general manager at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

Existing Ohio State-Honda collaborations span a wide range of research and scholarship, including the Center for Occupational Health in Automotive Manufacturing, the Driving Simulation Laboratory, the Honda/OSU Mobility Innovation Exchange, the Honda Advanced Degree Program, Honda-OSU Scholars, and the Honda Endowed Chair in the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering, among others.

About Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA) is responsible for creating advanced products and technologies that provide new value to Honda and Acura customers.  HRA has the capability of “complete product creation” – developing all-new products, starting from market and technology research and design styling through engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing, local parts procurement, and support for mass production preparation. With major facilities in California, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida, HRA is engaged in the development and testing of Honda and Acura automobiles, and Honda power sports and power equipment products, and is also taking a leading role in the advancement of leading-edge safety and environmental technologies.

About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers, and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions.

About The Ohio State University College of Engineering
Ohio State’s graduate and undergraduate engineering programs are both ranked first among all Ohio universities and 17th nationally among all public universities. With more than 55,000 living engineering and architecture alumni worldwide, the College of Engineering features world-class, experiential learning programs within 11 departments: Center for Aviation Studies; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Integrated Systems Engineering; Knowlton School of Architecture; Materials Science and Engineering; and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The above piece originally appeared here.